How To Anchor A Trampoline: Users Guide & Reviews

As seasons turn from fair to foul, dark clouds loom. With them comes that old North wind. Sweeping gusts over 30 mph are common in some regions, while others may see them only during severe weather. Wherever it is you live, when strong winds blow they can cause problems. One issue a homeowner or renter does not want to deal with is an airborne trampoline. Blown out sliding glass doors, major siding damage, and trampolines at the bottom of swimming pools all may occur without preventive action. Knowing how to anchor a trampoline properly becomes important once you realize the enormity of the damage they’re capable of. All a trampoline needs is a little help from the wind.

Knowing How To Anchor A Trampoline & The Facts About Wind

The question you might be asking yourself is, “do I really need to worry about my trampoline blowing away?” The answer in all honesty is perhaps not. Flying trampolines are much more likely to lift off on properties that aren’t protected from the wind. If you live in a high wind area, it’s a no-brainer. You need effective trampoline anchors. But for those who don’t live in such places, how necessary are trampoline anchors?

Ask yourself this question. Is there protection from the wind in the area you plan on keeping your trampoline? Test it out, but not just on a breezy day. Get out there when the wind is really blowing and feel how strong it hits you. If it’s more than just a light wind, seriously consider trampoline anchors.

Like everything in science, there is a formula that explains how wind can pick a trampoline up off the ground. The problem is, there’s no way of knowing the numbers to plug in. Heavier trampolines are less likely to lift, but one strong gust will still do it. The heavier they are, the harder they fall. Even the best trampoline anchors can only hold down so much force. If there’s that much wind, you may have more pressing worries than your trampoline.

Using A Trampoline Anchor Kit – The Best Way To Anchor A Trampoline

When you look at the practical methods people use to secure trampolines, they don’t usually work out so well. Take tie downs, for example. Unless you have something to tie off to on the ground, like anchors, the trampoline will still lift until the ropes come taught. This can put pressure on points of the trampoline unable to withstand the force. It’ll bounce around on those ropes till it breaks apart, then it’ll catch some air anyways. Unseemly ropes running across your yard is a temporary solution and one that doesn’t typically turn out too well.

Sand bags are another solution some use to secure their trampolines, though a temporary one at best. There’s several drawbacks to sandbags. First off, they’re heavy. It takes hard work to fill and move them. Sand bags definitely don’t look attractive and they’re not real durable. Sun and time will wear the fabric and you’ll have to replace them.

The best way to anchor a trampoline is to use a trampoline anchor kit. Of course you’ll want a dependable product, but you’ll do it once and not have to worry about it from that point on. Trampoline anchors are easy to install, and come out easily with a bit of instruction.

How Do Trampoline Anchors Work? – Installation Methods

Trampoline anchors do assume that the unit sits on a dirt or grassy area. Most trampolines don’t sit over hard ground for safety reasons. Though nets help, they aren’t fool proof either. Nets also help catch the wind and create more surface area to help it lift the trampoline. Anchoring a trampoline on hard ground takes construction tools and a different kind of anchor completely, not the kind in this article’s conversation.

The most common trampoline anchors come in two forms; U shape or auger. Check out their descriptions below:

U shape Trampoline Anchors – They look just like their name. U shape anchors are usually steel. They tap down with a carpenter’s hammer or small sledge, and fit around the base poles of your trampoline.

Augers – They also go by corkscrew anchors. These types of trampoline anchors twist by hand like a corkscrew into a wine bottle. They come with straps that attach from the auger to the frame of the trampoline above.

Pros & Cons Of U Shape Versus Auger Trampoline Anchors

U shape anchors are the easiest to install. One does have to get underneath with a hammer and drive them down, but that’s all there is to it. To remove, hammer a screw driver in between the anchor and trampoline post. It’ll work to pry it up. U shape anchors can go through tough clay that augers have trouble with. Their drawback is not having a grip in the soil, and they will pull out along with your trampoline with enough force.

Auger type anchors hold on to trampolines much better because of their design. The corkscrew takes a firm grip in the ground. A whole chunk of earth must come out in order to pull the auger up. If soil is hard and rocky, or is clay, the auger can be difficult to screw down. You can, however, search for different spots in the ground because augers strap up to the frame. People who live in regions prone to strong winds prefer using both types of trampoline anchors for extra security.

Best Trampoline Anchors & Kits – 2017 Reviews

Skywalker Trampoline Wind Stakes – Best U Shape Anchors

Simple installation comes along with the 4 pack of stainless steel Skywalker trampoline anchors. These u-shaped wind stakes reach 2 inches across, which is wide enough to fit around most trampoline poles. Pick 4 points that are close to equal in distance apart, and hammer the stakes down on top of the base poles.

The stainless steel feature of Skywalker trampoline anchors is comforting. They won’t rust out in the ground unbeknownst to you. Though u shape anchors don’t grip the earth as well as augers, the 12.5 inch length of Skywalker stakes keep a strong hold.

JumpSport Trampoline Anchor Kit – Best Auger Style Anchor Kit

Leaders in trampoline safety, JumpSport knows how to keep them from blowing away. If it’s quality you prefer, look no further than JumpSport’s trampoline anchor kit. A set of 4 heavy duty corkscrew augers with corresponding straps come with this kit. Like any set of trampoline anchors, it’s best to spread them around at equal distances.

JumpSport augers are strong steel with a protective laminate coating. Durability comes from the high quality straps, which tell the story about getting what you pay for. With auger type anchors, it won’t matter how strong they are if the straps fail. JumpSport auger straps use an adjustable quick buckle that holds the tension, and they stand up better than cheaper models.

SkyBound HD Trampoline Anchor Kit – Best Value Auger Anchor Kit

A near replica of the JumpSport version, SkyBound offers an effective trampoline anchor kit for a better price. Durability may not be up to the same level as other brands, but there’s no questioning their performance. The SkyBound trampoline anchor kit comes with four 15 inch augers and tie down straps. Just like the JumpSport kit, they are compatible with any model trampoline.

SkyBound trampoline anchor kits use nylon straps that attach to the augers. The strap goes up and over the bar which makes the perimeter frame of the trampoline. It comes back down and attaches to the auger on the other side. Pull on the strap to tighten and the buckle will hold. Customer reviews praise SkyBound trampoline anchor kits for their effectiveness and their price. The choice in durability between SkyBound and JumpSport is apparent, but the decision in value isn’t as easy.

Final Thoughts On Anchoring Your Trampoline

The consensus is that if you live in a high wind area, don’t mess around. Make the decision to anchor your trampoline! Next comes the question of how to anchor a trampoline, and which trampoline anchors to use. Go with the u-shaped model, the auger & strap style, or both? The three reviews of trampoline anchor kits above show incredibly effective products. The most security you can have is to use both kinds. Other than that, it’s just a question of value, budget, and how long you expect them to last.

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